Nikon D5 Review
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Our editorial take on the Nikon D5
The Nikon D5 is a professional workhorse DSLR built for speed and reliability in the field. With its 153-point autofocus system (99 cross-type), 12 fps continuous shooting with tracking, and a shutter rated to 400,000 actuations, it's designed to handle the most demanding action and sports photography. Reviewers consistently praise the autofocus performance, noting that the Multi-CAM 20K system excels at identifying, locking onto, and tracking subjects with exceptional accuracy. The magnesium alloy body with weather sealing and a battery rated for 3780 shots per charge ensure it can work through long assignments without faltering.
At 20.8 megapixels, the D5 prioritizes speed and low-light capability over resolution. Reviewers observe that image quality is solid and improved over its predecessor, though not quite as crisp as some competitors. The native ISO range stretches to 102,400, expandable to an extreme 3,280,000, making it viable in near-darkness. Video is present but basic: 4K at 30p with 8-bit H.264, adequate for documentation but not a primary strength. Dual card slots (XQD or CF), gigabit Ethernet, and professional I/O round out a feature set aimed squarely at working pros who need to deliver under pressure.
- Exceptional 153-point AF system with reliable subject tracking
- 12 fps continuous shooting with full AF and AE tracking
- 400,000-actuation shutter and 3780-shot battery life for pro endurance
- Native ISO up to 102,400 for extreme low-light shooting
- Robust magnesium alloy build with full weather sealing
- 20.8MP resolution trails competitors for detail and cropping flexibility
- 4K video limited to 30p with basic 8-bit codec
Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.
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Editorial reviews
The Nikon D5 is the company's flagship action-oriented DSLR, sporting a 20.8MP full-frame sensor, 153-point autofocus system and a full-size, double-grip ...
The D5 does do a bit better than its predecessor thanks to its higher resolution, but its not quite as crisp. The Nikons offer the highest contrast of the group ...
The Nikon D5 is an extraordinary camera because of its superior autofocus system that really does automatically identify, locate, lock-on and track autofocus ...
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About this product
Pro FX flagship; 20.8MP, 153-pt AF.
Specs
- Battery
- EN-EL18a rechargeable lithium-ion, CIPA-rated for approximately 3780 shots
- Build Material
- Magnesium alloy chassis
- Weather Sealing
- Dust- and weather-resistant
- Bit Depth
- 14-Bit (stills)
- Internal Codecs
- MOV/H.264
- Max Frame Rate 4k
- 29.97p
- Max Frame Rate Hd
- 1080/59.94p
- Max Video Resolution
- 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Network Ethernet
- 1000 Base-T (Gigabit)
- Shutter Lifespan
- 400,000 actuations
- Sensor Size
- FX-format (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
- Sensor Type
- CMOS
- Image Processor
- EXPEED 5
- Effective Megapixels
- 20.8 MP
- Announced Date
- January 6, 2016
- Iso Range Video
- 100-102400 (Auto, Manual), 3280000 (Expanded)
- Iso Range Stills
- 100-102400 (Native), 50-3280000 (Expanded)
- Continuous Shooting
- 12 fps with AF and AE tracking, 14 fps with mirror up
- Shutter Speed Mechanical
- 1/8000 to 30 Seconds
- Viewfinder
- 0.72x optical pentaprism
- Rear Screen
- 3.2" 2.36m-dot LCD monitor
- Touchscreen
- Yes
- Lens Mount
- Nikon F
- Hdmi
- 1x Mini-HDMI Output
- Audio Io
- 1x 3.5mm Microphone, 1x 3.5mm Headphone
- Wireless
- Yes (with optional WT-6/A/B/C Wireless Transmitter)
- Card Slots
- 2x XQD or 2x CompactFlash
- Af Points
- 153 focus points (99 cross-type)
- Af System
- Multi-CAM 20K Autofocus System
- Af Low Light
- -4 EV (center point), -3 EV (other points)














